The African Union strongly condemns the killing of United Nations personnel in South Sudan

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 10, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union has learnt with immense shock and sorrow of the killing of five peacekeepers of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and seven civilians working for the Mission, in an ambush by unidentified assailants in Jonglei State of South Sudan, on this 9 April 2013.

The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns this criminal and cowardly attack. She expresses AU's heartfelt condolences to the families of the peacekeepers, their respective countries, UNMISS and the United Nations Secretariat.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU's deep appreciation of the outstanding work being done by UNMISS. She encourages the Mission to persevere in its efforts, despite the very challenging environment in which it is operating.